Thinking about getting Invisalign®? This modern orthodontic treatment is a great option for straightening teeth discreetly. But before you jump in, it’s important to know what to expect so you can get the best results!
If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Montgomery, Millbrook, or Wetumpka, or you’re wondering, “Should I get Invisalign?” We’ve put together a guide that will help you make the best decision for your smile.
Here’s the top ten things to know before starting Invisalign!
1. You Need to Be Disciplined with Wearing Your Aligners
Most patients say, “one of the biggest things I wish I knew before Invisalign is how important it is to wear the aligners for at least 20-22 hours a day”.
While our orthodontists talk about this when we go over your treatment options with you, it’s often one of those things you don’t realize how critical it is until you’re making it a habit! After all, Invisalign works best when you’re consistent—taking them out too often or forgetting to wear them can delay your progress. If you want the fastest results, you have to stick to your treatment plan!
The good news? Invisalign is clear and comfortable, making it easy to wear them all day without feeling self-conscious, and there’s an app for tracking it!
2. The My Invisalign App Helps Track Progress
Keeping up with your treatment is easier than ever, thanks to the My Invisalign app. This handy tool allows you to track your progress, set reminders to switch aligners, track your wear time, and even check in with your orthodontist remotely.
If you’re thinking about starting Invisalign with an orthodontist office in Montgomery, Millbrook, or Wetumpka, ask if they offer virtual check-ins through the app—it’s a game-changer for busy schedules!
3. Invisalign Stickables Make Your Smile More Fun
Did you know you can personalize your Invisalign aligners too? Invisalign Stickables are colorful, fun stickers designed to adhere to your clear aligners, letting you add a touch of personality to your smile. Whether you want a pop of color, cute designs, or even seasonal themes, Stickables can make the Invisalign experience more enjoyable—especially for teens!
4. You’ll Need to Brush and Floss More Often
Since Invisalign aligners fit snugly over your teeth, any food or plaque left behind can get trapped, leading to cavities or teeth and aligner staining.
To keep your teeth and aligners clean, you’ll need to brush and floss after every meal and snack. Carrying a travel-sized toothbrush and floss with you can make this easier.
We also recommend purchasing Invisalign™ Cleaning Crystals or Retainer Brite to keep your aligners fresh. Here’s how to clean your Invisalign trays without damaging them and make them sparkle again!
5. You Might Talk Differently at First
When you first start wearing Invisalign, you might notice a slight lisp as you adjust to speaking with the aligners. Don’t worry—this usually goes away after a few days as your tongue gets used to them. Practicing speaking out loud or reading aloud can help speed up the adjustment period.
6. You May Feel Some Discomfort
When you switch to a new set of aligners, you might experience mild discomfort or pressure for the first few days. This is completely normal—it means your teeth are moving! Over-the-counter pain relievers and switching to a new tray before bedtime can help ease the adjustment.
7. You’ll Need to Remove Them When Eating or Drinking (Except Water)
Your Invisalign aligners must be removed before eating or drinking anything besides water. Not only will eating with your aligners in cause you to clean them more often, but doing so can significantly damage your aligners. Think hot meals warping your aligners or biting down and bending or cracking your trays. Leaving them in while drinking coffee, tea, or wine can also stain or warp your aligners.
This means you’ll need to plan meals and snacks accordingly!
8. You’ll Have to Wear a Retainer After Treatment
Once your Invisalign treatment is over, you’ll need to wear your retainers every night to keep your beautiful, healthy new grin.
The simple phrase of “nighttime for a lifetime” can help you get into the habit at first. And it should be a smooth transition since our orthodontists like to use clear Essix retainers which look and function just like your old Invisalign trays.
9. You Might Need Attachments or Buttons
Some patients require small, tooth-colored attachments or buttons to help their aligners move their teeth more effectively.
Think of attachments as individual tooth navigators, they’re bonded to your teeth and help your aligners achieve more precise movement. Invisalign buttons, on the other hand, are bonded to your aligners, and you’ll use them with rubber bands to help guide your bite (how your teeth rest against each other) into healthy alignment.
These are both painless to place but can make your treatment more noticeable.
10. You May Be Salivating More Than Usual
This is a strange but true fact! Your body’s natural response to a foreign object in your mouth is to pump up your saliva production. It’s very common when starting braces or Invisalign treatment to feel like you’re constantly salivating! You’ll adjust to the sensation in a few hours, and it typically goes away after a few days.
You may even notice it pop up again as you switch trays because your body will respond to tooth movement by increasing saliva production, too. Again, this is normal and means that your body is helping to keep your teeth clean and providing relief from any gum irritation that you may experience from your teeth moving.
Ready to Start Your Invisalign Journey?
Invisalign is a fantastic choice for a straighter, healthier grin, and finding the right orthodontist for you is key!
Still have more questions about Invisalign? Schedule your complimentary consultation at one of our Alabama orthodontist offices in Montgomery, Millbrook or Wetumpka—and we’ll be happy to answer them for you.
